With the increasing number of reputable international schools located around the world, how do parents settle on the one best suited to their child? It can seem a long and agonising decision, but Jerudong International School (JIS), Brunei’s leading boarding and day school, is here to offer a helping hand, suggesting that parents consider the following as they navigate the mass of potential schools scattered across the globe.

Location

First off, is the school set in a safe and secure environment? What will their daily travel time be? Are the roads and the transport system safe? If it’s a boarding school overseas, how easy is it to fly into that country? What about the climate? Is the country subject to weather or pollution which could impact your child’s health? Brunei is a beautiful, safe and secure environment, recently ranked fourth in the world for its enviable air quality. It’s a wonderful location where students can study away from the hazards and distractions of city life, but remains just a short direct flight from the world’s major tourist hubs.

Internationalism

One thing you may not have considered is the diversity of the school’s student body. As a parent, it’s important for you to question balance of different nationalities and cultures at the school, to ensure your child has access to invaluable global perspectives. JIS teaches students from 55 different countries, and only 35 percent of the school’s total student population are native to Brunei.

Accreditation

What organisation has accredited the School and what does this recognition mean? There are many internationally-recognised accreditation bodies, and the world’s best schools will have undergone rigorous scrutiny to be awarded by these professional corporations.